They are very light, and, besides, you can take small armfulls."
She was overjoyed at the idea, and she at once set to work with much
enthusiasm. I cut a quantity of reeds and then went back to bring some
bamboos, after which I set to work cutting a door-way through the side
of the house to connect it with the extension. I pursued the same
methods as in making the main house, Mr. Harborough cutting bamboos and
reeds, his daughter bringing all the filling material from the stream,
while I set up the frame and wove the reeds into the walls. This
finished, grass was cut for thatching the roof. We worked steadily,
only stopping for a bit to eat at noon, so that, by sunset, the addition
was completed. It was six by eight feet in dimensions, and it was very
thoroughly made. After consulting Miss Harborough, it was decided not
to have a door between the two apartments, but to hang up a curtain
instead. I suggested that the curtain be made of cocoanut cloth, and I
promised Miss Harborough to gather the cloth in the morning, and show
her how to sew it together with fine roots.
We all sat for a time in front of the house, enjoying the breeze which
blew toward the land after the sun-down, retiring early in anticipation
of the work of the morrow. Before I slept I had formed a plan to reach
the barkentine on the reef, which I believed would prove successful.
The morning dawned bright and cloudless, and the household was awakened
by Puff, screaming for his breakfast.
*CHAPTER XVII.*
_*Building a Raft; Visits to the Wreck*_*.*
We first visited the young cocoanut palms from which I cut a supply of
cloth for the curtain, to be hung between the two apartments in the
house; and while I dug some small roots for thread, to use in sewing the
pieces together, Mr. Harborough, under my direction, with his knife
shaped from a piece of hard wood, a bodkin, to be used in lieu of a
needle in sewing.
Leaving Miss Harborough comfortably ensconced in front of the house,
with the materials around her, Mr. Harborough and myself set about the
task of reaching the vessel.
"There is but one way to reach her, sir," I said, "and that is by means
of a raft. It is the only sort of a craft that we can construct with no
tools, and, besides, I believe we can make a raft which will carry the
cargo."
"Your experience fits you to take the initiative," he replied. "I am
under your direction. You shall lead, and I will follow and obey your
instructions."
"I am sure our combined ideas only will produce the best results," I
made answer. "But first let us proceed to the bamboo thicket."
As we started to go up stream, Mr. Harborough turned and cast an anxious
look toward his daughter.
Noticing this, I hastened to reassure him concerning her safety.
"And are there no wild animals on the island?" he asked.
"I have seen none hereabout," I assured him. I remembered the wild pigs
that I had met on my march around the coast, but I thought best not to
unduly alarm him by alluding to them.
"And do you believe the island entirely uninhabited?" he asked.
"At the present time I believe it is absolutely uninhabited," I replied.
As we walked along I told him about the old wall on the mountain, adding
that it was evidently constructed by civilized people, long ago. An
idea occurred to me at that moment concerning the ruined wall, but I
resolved not to communicate it at present.
As for the wild pigs, I did not believe they would put in an appearance
in this part of the island. Reaching the bamboo thicket, we set to work
cutting a great quantity of them, selecting those from two to four
inches in diameter, I, meanwhile, explaining to Mr. Harborough how I
proposed to construct the raft. We labored incessantly the entire day,
only stopping, when the sun stood directly overhead, to allay the
cravings of our appetites; and reaching the house, we were delighted to
find that Miss Harborough had dinner all ready for us, she having
roasted some yams and the only remaining bread fruit. I resolved to
make a trip to the pool and procure another supply at once.
Miss Harborough had finished the curtain, and before we returned to our
bamboo cutting we hung it in place, fastening it with wooden skewers.
While we continued to cut bamboos Miss Harborough wandered about
admiring and wondering at the many tropical sights and sounds. I
continued to keep the records of the days on my cocoanut-shell calendar.
In two days we had cut what I believed was a sufficient number of
bamboos. The following day was Sunday; and while we resolved to abstain
from working on the raft, we agreed that the time was too precious to
remain entirely idle; so we resolved to devote the day to replenishing
our larder.
We were early astir and prepared for a trip to the pool. Before setting
out I got out the fish net, which I set in the stream, explaining that
we would remove it on our return, and hoping that it would yield a good
number of fish. I took my bow-gun, intending to keep a sharp lookout
for pigeons, and Miss Harborough carried Puff, I having taken care to
secure him to her arm by a thong so he could not impede our progress by
flying away into the thicket.
We followed the bank of the stream and in due time reached the pool
where we set about, in the best of spirits, gathering water-cocoanuts,
bread fruit, oranges, bananas and plantains. Refreshing ourselves upon
some ripe bananas that we found scattered through the bunches, while we
sat beneath the shade of the broad leaves, we gathered up our spoils and
set out to return.
I decided to keep along the edge of the forest going back, hoping to bag
a pigeon or two; and I was so fortunate as to secure four, to the great
wonder of my companions who marvelled at my markmanship and the accuracy
of the rude bow-gun.
Arriving home the net was removed from the stream, being nearly half
filled with fish. The question of food was settled for several days,
and we could work on the raft uninterrupted.
Miss Harborough allotted to herself the duty of preparing the food, and
well did she perform her task. She not only had our meals ready with
unfailing regularity, but her womanly instinct enabled her to devise
dinners, dainty and appetising innovations in the simple cookery, that
were most acceptable.
The foundation of the raft was laid by placing bamboos on the beach just
out of reach of the surf, there being no discernable tide, about one
foot apart. The poles, forming a layer, were about eighteen feet long,
and there were fourteen of them. This fixed the dimensions of the raft,
eighteen by fourteen feet. These were firmly lashed together with
lianas from the thicket near by, which were passed over and under each
alternate pole, across to the opposite side and back again, six times
across, with double weaving at the ends. Next we cut a great quantity
of reeds and laid them evenly over the frame-work, to the thickness of
about two feet. Another frame was then made the same size as the first,
which was placed over the reeds and bound firmly to the bottom frame, to
which it was firmly fastened with lianas around the edges, forming a
sort of mattress. This process was repeated until the raft was fully six
feet thick. This work, as is to be supposed, occupied several days; but
when it was completed we had reason to feel proud of the result.
Indeed, it was the outcome of no little skill.
We expected that the buoyancy of the materials of which it was
constructed, together with its great thickness, would enable the raft to
float with its top high out of the water, which would allow it it to
support a considerable load. And, besides, it was so light that our
combined efforts sufficed to move it quite readily. On the morning of
the day following its completion, we launched the raft, and to our great
satisfaction saw that it floated like a cork. We decided that a long
bamboo to be used as a scull-oar would be the best means of propelling
it. One half of the thickness of the larger end of this bamboo was
split away the length of the first joint, which gave a flat surface to
offer resistance to the water in sculling. Another bamboo was provided
to be used in poling. We were now ready to set out for the wreck. Miss
Harborough expressed a desire to accompany us, but I demurred, until we
had proved the seaworthiness and stability of the raft, in which her
father joined. So she seated herself near the beach and watched us as
we pushed off.
Beneath our combined weight the raft did not appear to sink perceptibly,
and it promised to float a good amount of cargo. This was most pleasing
to us for it would enable us to remove what we wanted from the vessel
rapidly. We joined in poling the raft until the water became too deep,
after which I used the scull from the end, being somewhat of an expert
by reason of my boyish practice with a punt on the pond near the home of
my childhood. The sea was placid, and it required only a few minutes to
reach the wreck. I propelled the raft under the bow-sprit and held it
steady by grasping the martingale, while Mr. Harborough climbed aboard,
from whence he threw a line with which I quickly made the raft fast, and
joined him on the deck.
The scene around us was one of confusion. The deck was strewn with a
tangled mass of rigging, rendering it not a little difficult to move
about.
"I think," said Mr. Harborough, "that we should proceed systematically
through the vessel, and I suggest that we first proceed to the cabin."
So we descended the companionway which led to the roomy cabin. It was
comfortably, though not luxuriously fitted up, after the usual style of
vessels going on long voyages. Mr. Harborough proceeded to collect all
his clothing, while I, at his suggestion, gathered into a bundle all of
the wearing apparel that had belonged to the captain, to be appropriated
to my own use; and indeed, I was sadly in need of it. We did not disturb
Miss Harborough's cabin, having decided to let her accompany us on the
next trip, when she could gather up her own belongings.
"There seems to be nothing else that can be of use to us," said Mr.
Harborough, glancing around the cabin.
"Oh, but why not take the chairs? They are fastened to the floor of the
cabin, but there must be tools on board in the carpenter's kit, with
which we can easily remove them. And, then, the charts, the chronometer
and the compass. Who knows but that they may be of great use to us? I
am sure the compass would, at least."
"That is true," he replied; "I fear that I am not very used to being a
castaway."
"A few months will accustom you to such an existence," I replied.
So we went forward and found the carpenter's chest, from which we took
all the tools necessary to remove the cabin chairs, and the compass.
These, with the chronometer and the clothing, we deposited together in
the cabin. Next we set about collecting all the small sized rope and all
the cooking utensils in the galley, which we placed with the cabin
crockery. We debated whether it would be advisable to attempt to remove
the galley stove to the shore; but, because of its weight and the
consequent great difficulty in removing it, we abandoned the idea. As
we moved about the deck we could see Miss Harborough by the beach, and
we frequently signalled to her, fearing that she might be lonesome
alone, amid such strange surroundings.
As I stood gazing at the beautiful island, densely covered with tropical
vegetation, radiant with golden light, I made out the mountain on which
I had erected the beacon, which I could dimly see. I called Mr.
Scarborough's attention to it, and expressed my disappointment that it
was so dimly visible; but when I reflected that the mountain was much
nearer the east coast, I took a brighter view of it, for I believed that
the island must be one of the Virgin Islands; and, if so, it must be one
of the most easterly. Still I could not make up my mind what the land I
had sighted far to the eastward from the mountain top might be. If it
was one of the northern Leeward Islands, then we could not be far out of
the track of vessels. In this case the beacon must, sooner or later, be
seen from some passing ship.
Overhauling the stores we found quantities of provisions, canned and
dried fruits, salt, half a barrel of salted beef, nearly two barrels of
flour, a great quantity of sweet potatoes and several gross of matches.
Indeed, nothing seemed to be lacking.
We now set about loading the raft, lowering the different articles over
the side by means of a rope, distributing the weight over the raft. We
loaded it until it settled to within a foot of the top, and a great
quantity of freight it took. At this rate it would require but few trips
to complete the work. Taking the clothing aboard we started ashore,
which we reached without accident, though it required considerably more
time to scull the heavily loaded raft. Being so deeply laden, it
grounded several feet from the beach, so that in unloading it, we had to
wade back and forth through the water.
Everything was stored snugly in the house before sundown.
On the morning following we made another early start for the wreck, Miss
Harborough with us this time. As before, the raft was made fast to the
bow-sprit, and Miss Harborough was hoisted aboard in a bo'sn's chair.
We proceeded to load the raft, intending to make two trips during the
day. This was soon accomplished, and taking the compass and the
chronometer, as well as Miss Harborough's trunk, we were about to cast
off, when, with an exclamation, Mr. Harborough grasped the chains and
disappeared on deck, presently returning with face aglow, carrying in
each hand a gun. Such good fortune was almost overpowering, for with
guns we could not only defend ourselves effectively, if necessary, but
easily secure plenty of game. He explained that there was a quantity of
cartridges for the rifle as well as considerable ammunition for the
shot-gun, in the cabin. Each day we continued to make one or two trips
to the vessel, the weather fortunately continuing calm, with the result
that we stripped her of everything that we could move, and that could
possibly be of use to us. We soon discovered that we could store in the
house only such articles as there would constantly be use for, so we
proceeded to build another addition from the other side, opposite Miss
Harborough's apartment, to serve exclusively as a store-room. Thus our
abode extended to quite a pretentious establishment. The raft, no
longer in use, we hauled up among the cocoanut palms. We had been so
busy since the barkentine came ashore that we had not been able to
extend the stockade around the two additions to the house. This we
proceeded to do, following the same plan of construction as I had
previously done, joining it to the main structure at the four corners,
thus making an enclosure of quite twice the area of the original
compound. We planted yam vines all around the new stockade, varying our
labors by making trips to the pool for provisions, going on excursions
into the forest, but never far away, securing pigeons with the aid of
the shot-gun, but seeing no animals, and fishing in the stream. We
lived sumptuously, with the fruit and the plentiful supplies from the
vessel. At my suggestion, we planted a quantity of sweet potatoes,
selecting a sunny spot near the stream, breaking up the ground with
poles sharpened with the aid of a good axe, which we found in the
carpenter's kit. Indeed, we found several tools, such as a bit, auger,
two saws; and a hammer that were of great use to us; and fortunately a
few nails. I had some doubt as to the success of our sweet potato
experiment, believing that the tropical climate would prove too warm for
them, remembering that they flourish to the greatest perfection in the
eastern-central part of our own country. However, the experiment was
worth trying in the interest of future food supplies. We had, from the
first, kept a close watch along the shore all along the bay, in case
bodies of other members of the barkentine's crew came ashore. But none
did, and, with the axe, we hewed a rude head-board from a hard-wood
plank which we had brought from the vessel, for the grave of the man
whom we had buried, carving thereon the name "William Clayton," together
with the day and year of his death.
We discussed the advisability of setting fire to the wreck, but after
mature consideration we decided that so long as it remained intact, it
might serve to attract attention should a vessel be passing, and thus
lead to our rescue.
We had much leisure, and I took occasion to make known a project which I
had in mind from the first, that of making a trip to the mountain. For
one thing I wished to see if the beacon had withstood the hurricane;
and, more than all, an idea had taken possession of me, growing stronger
every day, that a careful investigation around the ruined wall might
lead to interesting, and, perhaps, important revelations. My companions
were delighted with the prospect, and we at once set about making
preparations for the journey; and here a new idea suggested itself. We
must carry with us as large a quantity of provisions as possible, and
how could this be accomplished? We would make knapsacks from
sail-cloth. Why had we not thought to bring the sails of the barkentine
ashore? The raft was again launched, and we removed the smaller sails
from the vessel; and, by searching among the seamen's dunnage in the
forecastle, we found several sailors' needles and twine. All working
together, we soon fashioned two square bags, with straps of several
thicknesses of cloth, with which to sling them upon our backs. The next
most important thing was the selection of the articles to be carried
with us. Provisions must form the bulk of the packs, and we made the
selection with the greatest care. We also proposed to take along the
axe, a coil of rope, the ship's compass, which was removed from the
gimbals, and, of course, the two guns, Mr. Harborough carrying the
rifle, while I took the shot-gun. We made belts from the sail-cloth for
carrying ammunition. The axe formed part of my equipment. A light
bundle of clothing was made up for Miss Harborough who also took charge
of Puff, who was made fast to her arm by a piece of twine. Everything
was made snug in the house, and the remaining sail-cloth was carefully
spread over the stores to be left behind. The door was securely closed,
and one bright morning we were ready to start, first taking, by means of
the compass, the bearings of the mountain. It was my intention to
proceed by a different route from those I had followed in going to and
returning from the mountain, for two reasons. One was that I wished to
further explore the island, which a new route would enable me to do, and
the other was that a direct route through the forest would be much
shorter, requiring us to encamp but one night. My companions fully
agreed with this idea. The stream was followed as far as the pool,
where we entered the forest. It consisted of many varieties of trees,
one kind being of large size, with a smooth, straight trunk, towering to
a great height, without branches. This, Mr. Harborough said, was the
mahogany tree.
Great lianas entwined the trees and many creepers, some bearing
exquisite blossoms that called forth exclamations of delight from Miss
Harborough, depended from the branches; and in some places the
vegetation was so dense that we were compelled to cut a way with the
axe. At Mr. Harborough's suggestion and at her request I ceased to
address his daughter as Miss Harborough, and thereafter called her
Marjorie, as did her father; for, as they both said, we were exiles
together, and formality was superfluous. We were in excellent spirits
and made rapid progress. When the sun was in the zenith, as we could
see by an occasional glimpse through an opening in the dense canopy
above us, we paused by a tiny stream of clear water for refreshments and
a short rest. Our repast finished, while Mr. Harborough and I conversed
concerning the present and the future, Marjorie wandered away a short
distance, searching for new and beautiful flowers. Just as we rose to
resume the march, and were about to call her, we heard an agonizing
scream coming from the forest at no great distance away. It was clear
that something had befallen Marjorie. Grasping the guns, we dashed in
the direction indicated by her cries, and presently we saw her dress
through the undergrowth. As we hastened forward a sight met our eyes
which caused us to come to a sudden halt and to gaze in horror at the
spectacle before us; for there was Marjorie, crying out no longer, her
limp body in the grasp of what looked like a dark, shrivelled-up old
man.
It seemed to be four or five feet tall, with a face almost black, its
body covered with short hair. The limbs were long, small, and the legs
were bent. We both shouted, at which the monster released Marjorie,
allowing her to fall to the ground, while it stood motionless, looking
at us, but making no sound. Almost at the same instant it stooped and
grasped a huge club which lay at its feet. We waited no longer, and
both raised our guns and fired. Evidently our excitement disconcerted
our aim, for the monster, without giving forth a sound, sprang to the
great tree near which it stood and began to climb it rapidly, keeping to
the side opposite to us. We hastened around, and Mr. Harborough fired
another shot from his rifle, but without apparent effect, for the
creature quickly reached the branches and disappeared.
We hastened to Marjorie who had recovered from her swoon, and was able
to give us an account of her adventure. There was little for her to
tell. She was walking leisurely along, stopping to admire a flower or a
brilliant butterfly, when, without warning, she felt herself in the
grasp of the horrible creature. She screamed and then fainted. We were
unable to conjecture what sort of a creature it might be, for we were
not aware that the tropical regions of the Western Hemisphere contained
large apes.
While we were discussing the matter, I remembered a story which I had
read years before about a creature found in the depths of the South
American forest, which was called a "Burghree." As I recollected the
story, the description of the "Burghree" corresponded very nearly to the
monster we had just encountered. Marjorie, having now recovered,
although she was still somewhat weak, we again went to the tree and
peered sharply among the branches.
"It seems to me," said Mr. Harborough at length, "that I see something
which looks like a great nest, far up in the tree-top."
I looked more closely and also saw it.
Clearly this was the home of the strange creature, and then I
recollected that the story of the "Burghree" corresponded almost exactly
to the present realization, for it retired to a great platform of
branches and grass, far up in the tree-top, whence it hurled defiance
and clubs at the men below, while this one uttered no sound. Another
shot from the rifle was without result, and we decided that it would be
not only useless but folly to waste more ammunition. Resuming our march,
few words passed between us for a long time. As for myself, I was
absorbed with my own thoughts, and Mr. Harborough seemed to be occupied
in like manner.
Suddenly I stopped and rested my gun upon the ground.
"Mr. Harborough," said I, "did you notice that the face of the creature
looked more like a human face than that of an ape, and that the feet and
hands seemed to be unlike an ape's feet and hands?"
"I noticed the face," he answered.
*CHAPTER XVIII.*
_*The March Continued; Arrival on the Mountain*_*.*
As we went on our cheerfulness returned.